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Biomedical subjects

H Grauer

Publications and source records attributed to H Grauer.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1995

Rapid HCV RNA detection by PCR followed by a new non-radioactive liquid hybridisation assay and comparison with RIBA.

A one-stage polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by an automated liquid hybridisation assay was used to examine anti-HCV-positive patients. The presence of HCV-RNA in 251 randomly selected enzyme immunoassay (EIA) positive clinical specimens was compared to their RIBA pattern. An association of a RIBA pattern with presence or absence of HCV-RNA was not detected. One hundred of these samples were also evaluated after dividing them into normal and elevated serum alanin aminotransferase (ALT) levels. PCR results were obtained on the basis of amplification products from two different gene regions (5'-NC region and NS 3). To prove the specificity of the PCR products, a commercially available digoxigenin-based liquid hybridisation assay was evaluated. The sensitivity was comparable to the results obtained after nested PCR. Based on the results of the study, the two-stage PCR can be changed in favour of the easier one-step PCR which offers the advantage of fewer contamination problems.

Alanine Transaminase↗
PubMed1991

Homebound aged: the dilemma of psychiatric intervention.

This study reports the 12 month experience of a hospital-based, multidisciplinary psychogeriatric community team. The patients evaluated were unable to come to the hospital clinics because of a psychiatric and/or physical disability. The group included some patients rarely seen in psychiatric office practice and outpatient facilities, but who posed problems for their families and the community. Some required referral to a clinic, crisis management or emergency hospitalization. Others however, required only minimal intervention. A total of 151 patients (119 females and 32 males) whose average age was 78.2, were seen. Seventy percent were widowed, single, divorced or separated; 43% lived alone. The patients were grouped according to the method of intervention used: psychiatric and social intervention--55%; social and nursing intervention--28%; no follow-up--11% and; emergency hospitalization--6%. Seventeen patients were left "untreated". These patients usually had more adequate family or community support than was initially apparent. They were referred for a crisis which was resolved quickly. An attempt is made to explain our approach, and several case examples are given.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1990

Predictors and consequences of aggressive behavior by community-based dementia patients.

The frequency, nature, context, and caregivers' reactions to aggressive behavior in 213 dementia patients residing in the community was studied. Aggression was reported in 57.2% of the patients and in 10.6% of the caregivers. Predictors of patient aggression were greater frequency of behavior and memory problems, premorbid aggression, and a more troubled premorbid social relationship between patient and caregiver. Patient aggression predicted the decision to discontinue home care.

Aged↗
PubMed1984

A fifteen-year psychogeriatric patient follow-up study.

Two hundred and ninety-one patients, with an average age of 69 in 1965, referred to a psychogeriatric clinic were studied. All but 20 were traced. 167 died and 104 remained alive. 73 were institutionalized. Medical, psychiatric and social data was available for all. Using mortality tables, we calculated the time of death for each patient. The group that exceeded their life expectancy was compared to the group that died prematurely. Significant positive correlations with longevity were self-referral, higher education, skilled work, independent income and absence of dementia. Females and orphans also lived longer. Living alone, dependency on children and conflict with one's spouse predisposed to institutionalization. Curiously, the hardships of being in wartime Europe and/or in a concentration camp increased life expectancy and mitigated against institutionalization. An attempt is made to correlate our findings with other studies and to explain our results.

Aged↗
PubMed1983

The aging physician and retirement.

The attitude of physicians toward retirement was studied using a questionnaire sent to physicians aged 65 and older. The information obtained was supplemented by organizing a study group of interested doctors. Of the 58 respondents whose average age was 71, 54 were still in practice and 65% had no plans for retirement. There was a strong urge to maintain the status quo. The group discussion centered around the loss of control over one's declining practice and the fear of diminishing competence with advancing age. The dedicated lifetime pursuit of a medical practice makes retirement extremely difficult for today's older physician. This study supports surveys on the working life span, longevity and mortality of North American physicians.

Aged↗
PubMed1978

Psychiatric aspects of geriatric crisis intervention.

Data on 64 geriatric patients treated by the Psychiatric Crisis Team at the Jewish General Hospital were reviewed. A control group of non-geriatric patients was selected at random for comparison. The average age of the geriatric group was 69.4 years compared to 33 in the control group. Women predominated in the geriatric group. Precipitating factors were more easily delineated in the geriatric group. Physical illness, loss of a close relative and relocation were the most common precipitating events in the geriatric group. Depression, psychotic and neurotic, was the predominant diagnosis in the older group and schizophrenic psychosis in the control group. Compared to the control group, the geriatric patients were discharged sooner and were more easily managed. Only two geriatric patients required institutionalization. The study supports the value of prompt and comprehensive geriatric crisis intervention.

Aged↗
PubMed1977

Depression in the aged: theoretical concepts.

The etiology of depression in the aged is discussed from the viewpoint of biologic, psychodynamic, genetic and sociocultural concepts. The chronic neurotic depression of the aged seems to differ from that of younger age groups. The understanding of geriatric depression requires a multidisciplinary approach.

Aged↗
PubMed1975

A geriatric functional rating scale to determine the need for institutional care.

This study was carried out to validate a rating scale which could serve as a guide in determining the need for institutional care. The scale assesses the subject's physical and mental disability, balanced against his ability to function and the support available from relatives and community resources. Cut-off points were tested by the use of an 18-month follow-up interval. Initially, 130 aged men and women from three different settings were rated. At the time of follow-up eighteen months later, 83 per cent of the subjects who had obtained an initial score indicative of their inability to function in the community were either dead or in an institution. In contrast, 90 per cent of those who obtained an initial score indicating that they were able to continue in the community, were not in an institution at the time of follow-up. The rating scale can be used not only to help decide the need for institutional care, but also to help determine the most suitable setting for the patient if placement is necessary.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1974

A study of contraception as related to multiple unwanted pregnancies.

A group of 25 women who had had two or more therapeutic abortions was compared with a control group of 100 women who had had only one abortion. The two groups could not be distinguished on the basis of the available demographic data. Emotional problems that interfere with the proper utilization of contraceptives were apparent in the index group and 76% of patients in this group had a primary psychiatric disorder as compared with 52% in the control group. The most common psychiatric diagnosis in the index group was chronic depressive reaction. A therapeutic abortion in the index group did not prompt an increased or more effective utilization of contraceptives.

Abortion, Therapeutic↗
PubMed1972

A study of contraception as related to unwanted pregnancy.

A study was made of 150 women requesting therapeutic abortion. Mechanical failure of the contraceptive method used accounted for unwanted pregnancy in 89 (59%) women. In the remainder no method of contraception was used by either partner. Among women requesting abortion, failure to use contraceptives was commoner in the younger and unmarried than in older and married women.The data obtained were analyzed in an attempt to explain the failure and avoidance of contraception. Suggestions are made as to how to discourage the use of abortion as a method of contraception.

Abortion, Legal↗